Did you know that your face may be populated with up to 80 million bacteria within each square centimeter?
Bacteria can quickly grow on oily surfaces, making your face prone to breakouts and red spots.
To prevent oils from causing acne, you must understand what comedones are.
Keep reading to learn about open and closed comedones so you can properly treat them and feel confident!
What Are Comedones?
If you’ve ever dealt with acne, you’ve also dealt with comedones.
Comedones are small bumps that appear on the surface of your skin. They are also called papules and are often found on the forehead and around the chin. These places typically produce the most oil, which is the main contributor.
When hair follicles and pores get clogged with oil and bacteria, they create a bump. Although they aren’t the most painful form of acne, they can still cause discomfort and weaken your confidence.
Below are the two types of comedones you may be dealing with.
Closed Comedones
Whiteheads are pesky signs of acne that can make your skin look discolored and rough.
These whiteheads are considered closed comedones since the follicle is fully blocked. Closed comedones can look like an allergic reaction or skin irritation. Although the bacteria is trapped inside, it doesn’t cause much swelling.
It typically takes longer for closed comedones to disappear when compared to open comedones. This is because the pores are closed and must dry out from the inside with acne products.
You don’t want to try popping them either since it can lead to scarring and more inflammation. It’s common for people to try and pop their whiteheads, only to get more bacteria and oil trapped. This can spread acne and prevent your breakout from clearing up.
Open Comedones
If you’ve seen black spots on your face, you’ve had open comedones.
Open comedones create a black color within your pores. Many assume the black is from dirt and oil, but it’s surface pigment. Melanin is responsible for the dark colors visible to the naked eye.
It’s easy to identify open comedones because of their dark appearance. However, if you have a large and dark spot, you might have a giant comedo. Check with your doctor if your pores aren’t clearing up.
Methods of Treatment
You can eliminate comedones if you want a natural, medicated, or intensive solution.
Depending on the severity of your acne, you may have to try a combination of techniques. The more you understand your skin type, the easier it’ll be to find the best solution.
Below are a few methods that can reduce the appearance and severity of comedones.
Wash Your Face
The best way to prevent blocked pores and small cysts is by washing your face regularly.
Using warm water, a cloth and gentle soap will eliminate bacteria and stop them from growing. It’s best to get into the habit of washing your face before going to bed and after physical activities.
Avoid using hot water since it can clog your pores and trap bacteria. Splashing cool water on your face while you rinse off the soap can open pores and help them dry.
OTC Acne Products
If you want to get rid of clogged pores fast, OTC products are recommended.
Although these products can be harsh on your skin over time, they are a great solution when you have a meeting or event. Gels and creams have been developed with the best ingredients to dry out bacteria-prone areas.
Contact your doctor if you feel faint, experience swelling, or have trouble breathing after using these products. Some can contain chemicals that irritate, especially if they get in your eyes or mouth.
Look for acne products with ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids. These are some of the most potent ingredients that don’t damage your skin. Always follow the instructions on the products to prevent dry patches and irritation.
Drink Water
Water is the ultimate cure for most ailments and discomforts.
Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water can have direct and indirect benefits regarding comedones. With more water in your body, your organs can eliminate toxins and bacteria. Drinking water will reduce your risk for acne since your pores won’t clog as easily.
Another reason water helps treat comedonal acne is because it keeps your skin hydrated. When skin becomes dry, the body secretes oils to maintain hydration. The increased oil from dry skin creates more acne.
Closed comedones can be challenging to remove, so you need to stay hydrated so the body can effectively remove toxins.
Surgical Treatments
If you’ve tried everything and consulted with a dermatologist, you may want to consider surgical treatments.
People with persistent comedones get cryotherapy or electrosurgery to remove the oil from the pores. Microdermabrasion is another procedure you can consider. Keep in mind that procedures aren’t suited for people going through temporary hormonal changes.
You Can Keep Comedones Away
Whether you’re dealing with open or closed comedones, they can be uncomfortable and hinder your confidence.
Understanding what comedones are and how they develop can prevent them and bacteria from accumulating on your gentle skin. Washing your face and using OTC products are typically good treatment methods, but some people may need help from a dermatologist.
Keep closed comedones away with these strategies, and don’t underestimate the importance of water.
Check out our blog for the latest content to learn more about improving your health and beauty!